Which symptom is commonly associated with congenital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections?

Congenital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections can lead to a variety of complications, with chorioretinitis being a well-documented symptom associated with the infection. Chorioretinitis refers to inflammation of the choroid and retina, which can result in visual impairment or blindness. This condition can occur due to the underlying viral infection affecting the developing fetus during pregnancy, particularly if the mother has an active HSV infection at the time of delivery.

The risk of transmission and subsequent development of symptoms, including chorioretinitis, highlights the importance of proper prenatal care and management for expectant mothers. Other manifestations of congenital HSV infections may include skin lesions and neurological complications, but chorioretinitis is specifically noted as a significant ocular complication linked to this viral infection in newborns.

In contrast, congenital heart defects, skeletal malformations, and hematological disorders are not typically associated with HSV infections, but rather with other congenital infections (e.g., congenital rubella syndrome or other teratogenic exposures). Thus, chorioretinitis remains a hallmark symptom of congenital HSV infection, particularly when considering ocular involvement in neonates.